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Buccaneers lose season opener to Bengals amid turnovers and tackling issues

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 5:58 AM

Last updated Sep 14, 2026

Buccaneers lose season opener to Bengals amid turnovers and tackling issues

Summary

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers fell to the Cincinnati Bengals 33-27 in their season opener on September 13 at Paycor Stadium. Despite committing four turnovers, head coach Todd Bowles emphasized that tackling issues also significantly contributed to the loss. The Bucs surrendered 21 points following three fumbles in a crucial stretch. Baker Mayfield lost three fumbles but completed 23 of 28 passes for 216 yards and a rushing touchdown. Tampa Bay's defense struggled to contain Cincinnati’s offense, particularly tight end Mike Gesicki. The Buccaneers will host the Cleveland Browns next Sunday.

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By the Numbers

•Bucs committed four turnovers during the game.
•Joe Burrow led Cincinnati to score 24 points off those mistakes.
•Baker Mayfield had a strong passing performance with no interceptions.
•Josiah Trotter recorded a sack and a pick-six in his debut.
•Next week, Tampa Bay will face the Cleveland Browns at home.

Latest Updates

5:58 AMYahoo Sports — Buccaneers news: Todd Bowles on what cost Tampa Bay against Bengals, and it's not the 4 turnovers

What they're saying

"
Four turnovers are the easy explanation for Tampa Bay’s 33-27 loss to the Bengals on Sunday , and Todd Bowles did not try to dodge them. But in his postgame remarks at Paycor Stadium, the Buccaneers head coach made clear the giveaways were only part of what went wrong in the season opener. “Obviously you can’t turn the ball over,” Bowles told […] The post Buccaneers news: Todd Bowles on what cost Tampa Bay against Bengals, and it's not the 4 turnovers appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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